Florida investigates uptick in reports of cattle deaths

January 12, 2019

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida officials are investigating an apparent increase in cattle deaths across the state, with investigators focusing on one particular brand of feed.

The Florida Times-Union reported Saturday that state Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said no specific cause of the cattle deaths has been pinpointed. But stores in Florida and southeast Georgia are voluntarily removing from shelves Producer’s Pride 20% All Natural Cattle Cube, manufactured by Purina Animal Nutrition.

Tractor Supply Company voluntarily has removed the feed from all 40 stores. Fried says Purina Animal Nutrition has initiated a voluntary market withdrawal of the product as well.

It’s not clear how many cattle have been affected. Statewide, there are an estimated one million cows, bulls and heifers that produce approximately 800,000 calves annually with a total value over $1 billion.